Straight Sets Simon

They have to draw the line somewhere, it turns out that Hogan is just too young. It's really not that complicated and I agree with rfpc, the drafting age should be increased if anything. Remember, if not for the Mini Draft he wouldn't have even been drafted this year and no one would be having this conversation.

If he was old enough to play this year he probably wouldn't be on the Melbourne list.

Please keep on topic, petrol prices and old Melbourne roads.

This is the key point, even the AFL admitted that it was the only piece of evidence they had. Why? Because it is the only information which points to there being a motive to tank. This is the bit that most people don't seem to understand. Again, it may have been a joke and it is a joke that Paul Roos, Terry Wallace and Carlton escaped the same scrutiny, but the fact remains that Connolly should not have jokingly or not even hinted at tanking or playing for priority picks. Therefore, if someone has to "take the fall", then without a doubt it should be Connolly.

That sums him up perfectly.

I don't work for the football club, what I say has no impact on "tanking".

You can't compare what a football fan writes on a forum with what a Football Operations Manager says to coaches and officials in a team meeting.

One thing that has impressed me with Neeld is that he understands that players need good quality experience as well as quantity. Bailey sent the kids in to get slaughtered, and whilst their game count increased they didn't get a lot out if losing by 60 odd points most weeks. It is reflected in the recruiting policy of players like Byrnes and Rodan.

He really is.

Rucks are big concern for me. I can't see Jamar being competitive for two years let alone three and Spencer just doesn't seem to advance. With Gawn's fragile body it doesn't surprise me that the club went so hard for Hannath.

They'll cover Port Adelaide, but you will have to use your imagination to work out how Melbourne are playing.

I'm neither here nor there with Neeld and whilst he may be very good analytically and with the process side of the game, I do wonder if he is the type of coach who gets the emotional and unquantifiable aspects of football.

I want to see a team for once, not just a group of individuals running around like we are used to.

It's frustrating because running is a conscious decision. You don't have to be good at football to know to keep running and if fitness is an issue it can always be improved. The problem Melbourne always seem to have is that the skillful players don't work hard enough (Sylvia, Davey, Johnstone) and the players who can run butcher the ball (Nicholson, Tom McDonald, Godfrey, Bail).

I've just watched the Richmond game again and one thing that really stands out is how flat-footed Melbourne players often are, especially after disposing of the ball. Sylvia is one of the biggest offenders but even some of the fresh players did this. As far as I'm concerned it should be a team rule that midfielders should be moving at all times. It is especially evident when compared to very good players like Cotchin who just doesn't stop.

We're not in positions of power within the football club. What we say means nothing, I don't understand where you are going with this.

He should never have said what he said, joking or not. After all, it was the only piece of evidence the AFL had as it was the only evidence that showed there may have been a motive to "tank".

Was anyone else disappointed with Pedersen? I know it's only early but he just seemed extremely slow.

As is Trengove's, unfortunately.

The thing to remember is that if not for the Mini Draft he wouldn't have gone into the draft until next year, so there is no point complaining that he can't play this year as we got him before he could be drafted.

Pederson didn't overly excite, just looks a bit flat-footed.

Dreaming.

I have no doubt Roos is still bitter that his team were flogged by 12 goals against a team who "tanked" the year before.

It looks as though The Age are even dragging Melbourne into political stories:

Yes, but those Demons (Dees) weren't fined, they were suspended.